11 Things Your Succulents Need Before Summer

Gardening with succulents is such a joy — those plump leaves , architectural chassis , and unexpected blooms can transform any space into a desert haven ! Yet it ’s such a bummer when the summer sun and heat arrive and your succulent shrivel , adulterate , or even moulder . I know how thwarting it is to invest in these hardy plants only to see them decline just as the season heat up .

In this clause , we ’ll explore eleven essentials your succulent need before summer really give up in . From finely - tune up their soil admixture to acclimate them to bright spark , we ’ll cross everything you may do now to set your rosettes and trailing sedums up for achiever . permit ’s dive in and make indisputable your succulents remain vibrant , plump , and ready to bloom under the summer sun !

Well-Draining Soil Mix

Succulents evolve in arid regions — think desert of Mexico and South Africa — where water drains quick through sandy or rocky soil . imbed them in heavy , moisture - retentive potting mixes is a quick lead to settle rot and yellowing leaves . I once used a standard houseplant mix and watched my echeverias suffer mushy stem within weeks !

Before summer arrives , repot your succulent into a blending of coarse sand or pumice , perlite , and a little amount of constitutional compost . This recipe mime their native substrate and guarantee superfluous weewee course out swiftly . Those spunky particle also produce flyspeck crevices where solitary bee can nestle , supporting both plant wellness and local pollinator population !

Gradual Light Acclimation

Sudden pic to intense summer sun can sear succulent leaves , leading to unsightly brown patches . If your plant life have spent spring in filtered light or indoors , they need a blue-blooded initiation to full Sunday . I learned this the hard way of life when I placed my aloe outdoors overnight and returned to bleached leaf !

start up by placing your succulents in dawning Dominicus — two to three hour daily — then gradually increase exposure over two weeks . This mimic rude seasonal shift and avail the plants produce protective pigments . Healthy , acclimated succulents also provide steady nectar source for hummingbird and butterflies look for moisture in petal or leaf axils .

Inspect and Treat Pests

Warm summertime weather often fetch pests like mealybugs , scale , and wanderer mites looking for succulent succulence . Left unbridled , these critters can cause yellow , leaf drop , and stunted growth . I once find oneself a hidden cluster of mealy bug on my jade plant — such a pith - sinker !

Conduct a close inspection of leafage , little potato , and stem joints before the high temperature intensifies . deal any infestation with isopropyl alcohol swabs or insecticidal soaps . preserve plant health also attracts beneficial predators like ladybird beetle and lacewing fly , which police the succulent airfoil for snack - sized pests !

Protective Mulch Layer

practice a thin layer of fine crushed rock or crushed lava rock around outside succulents aid order soil temperature and wet . This mimics the rocky expanses these plants evolved in , preclude grunge from overheating in direct sunlight . I ’m always astonied at how well my hen - and - doll thrive under a 1 - inch gravel bed !

The crushed rock also discourage slugs and escargot from reaching pinnace leaves and allow landing spots for pollinating louse . Insects like aboriginal bees use static surfaces to nest or perch while forage succulent blooms , enrich biodiversity in your garden !

Adjusted Watering Schedule

Succulents postulate less frequent watering in summer ’s high heat , but when you do water , deliver deeply . Shallow , frequent dousing encourages weak , surface - only root . I switched to a once - every - two - week soaking in summer solstice , and my agaves developed impressively deep roots !

Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings — the “ soakage and teetotal ” method acting advance roots to seek wet deeper underground . That scheme aligns with the plants ’ drought - adapted behaviors and supports beneficial subterranean insects like ground mallet that help oxygenise the grease .

Fertilizer Boost

Though intrepid , succulent benefit from a light feeding before their summer growth surge . A balanced , diluted fertilizer — something like a 10 - 10 - 10 expression at quarter strength — provides the food needed for robust leaf product and potential flowering . I always notice full , richer - color rosette after a mid - fountain feeding !

Avoid gamey - N fertilizers that advance excessively lush leafage prone to waste . A gentle nutritious encouragement supports the plant ’s native strategy of storing water and attracting pollinator when they do flower , which is especially delightful for succulents that bloom stunningly in summertime !

Adequate Airflow

Stagnant summer air can bid fungous issues and dull dry out after rain . Ensuring good flow of air around each succulent derogate these risks . I rearranged my outside display last twelvemonth , giving each pot a few extra inches of space , and fungal touch became a thing of the yesteryear !

airwave bowel movement also helps disperse heat , creating microclimates that mimic the blowy habitats of many succulent . The improved circulation encourages beneficial hoverflies and little white Anglo-Saxon Protestant to police for pestilence , further protect your plants .

Temperature Monitoring

Although succulents stomach heat , sudden temperature spike above 100 ° F can stress them . Using shade cloth to reduce direct high noon sun or moving containers into partial shade during heatwaves assist . I once protect my potted succulent with a dim-witted shade canvass — and they thrive through a book - breakers !

trail your garden ’s microclimates enable you to place succulent in office that equilibrise warmth with protection , replicating their aboriginal edge - of - desert habitat . Cooler night temperatures , when possible , also mimic natural condition and encourage metabolic rest for level-headed growth rhythm .

Rotate for Even Growth

Sunlight direction changes through summer , and succulents can lean toward the brightest side , causing spotty growth . rotate pots hebdomadary ascertain balanced light photograph , keep stem canker proportionate and compact . I use a simple faineant Susan tray for potted plants — no more lopsided Aeoniums !

Even growth also maximizes photosynthesis across the entire plant surface , tolerate vigorous summer resiliency and reproducible nectar production for pollinators that appreciate succulent flowers .

Regular Inspection for Rot

High humidness or accidental overwatering can lead to soft , semitransparent spots point rot . scrutinise stems and folio groundwork frequently , remove any moved parts immediately . I once pull through a prized Sansevieria from full loss by cutting out a small hogwash bit early !

Prompt removal forestall rot from spread out and let salubrious tissue paper continue storing water . A clear cut surface dries quickly , trim down infection risk — just like lifelike falling out in desert habitats where damaged flesh seal over to protect the plant .

Plan for Winter Dormancy

While succulent thrive in summertime , they require a tank , drying agent relaxation in winter . employ later summer to prepare by tapering off weewee and hold fertilizer . I begin this process in late August , and by capitulation my succulents enter sleeping seamlessly — ready to conserve Energy Department until spring !

Anticipating quiescency also align with raw cycle , ensuring succulents stay put glad and salubrious year - round . Their seasonal pause remind us that even the toughened plants need rest before the next growth season get in !

echeveria